Boost for Dublin as Brogan cleared to face Monaghan

THE initial meeting of the GAA’s Central Disciplinary Committee investigation of last Sunday’s incidents in Omagh brought some good news for the Dublin management and specifically leading forward Alan Brogan.

It was understood he had received a straight red card before being dismissed in the stormy game with All-Ireland champions Tyrone, but he is actually available to play in Sunday’s second-round game against Monaghan in Parnell Park.

A statement from Croke Park yesterday - which pointed out that the investigation is “on-going” - revealed that referee Paddy Russell had dismissed him for a second yellow card offence.

Dublin believed he had actually been red-carded and for that reason he wasn’t included in the team for Sunday’s game. They had also indicated their intention to appeal it.

The only suspension imposed by the CDC at their meeting on Wednesday night was on Tyrone player Collie Holmes, who received a four-week ban from last Sunday. This means he will miss only next Sunday’s game against Fermanagh and the Dr McKenna Cup final on Sunday week. He will be eligible to line out in the third round game at home to Cork.

According to the Croke Park statement, Tyrone forward Stephen O’Neill, along with Dublin midfielder Denis Bastic, and Brogan, “were noted as being suspended for the remainder of the game, having each received two yellow cards.”

The CDC viewed a video of the Omagh game at the meeting and are due to convene again next weekend. However, it’s believed that it will take at least another week to bring the investigation to a conclusion - with any player charged with an offence being given advance notice and advised of his right to a personal hearing.